The Only Time the Spread Eagle Ornament is Used!

Military color teams always use the spade/Army Spear (gold- or silver-color) individually and in joint service situations. There are two exceptions:

1. The Navy and Coast Guard use the battle-ax

2. When the President of the United States is involved with the ceremony. In this instance, the spread eagle ornament is used for the American flag. Below is a picture of the 5-man joint service color team for President Obama’s second inauguration parade. To the Marching left of the American flag, with the gold-colored spike ornaments, are the President’s flag and to its left is the Vice President’s flag. All flags are 4’4″ x 5’5″, or as close to that as possible. The dark wood flagstaffs used are only for special Presidential occasions and are the standard 9’6″ in height.